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River ended the communication and turned to Naia. “Ican go there.”
“Alone?”
He took Naia’s hands. “You haven’t seen much of my magic…”
“I think I have.”
“I can deal with that. And I can go to the Iron Citadel and whatever other monstrosity of an iron castle they have. Either way, I can’t let the kisilis spread.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Like that, he was gone, still glamoured over his ill-fitting human clothes.
Naia stared at her father, looking for an answer, a consoling word, something.
Azir’s eyes were kind. “He seemed to know what he was doing.”
“He’s reckless.”
Her father shook his head. “He sounded quite competent and wise, Naia. Perhaps he won’t be king for long, but he’s sure honoring his role.”
“What if something happens?”
“You could trust his magic. Like I trusted yours.”
32
Forever
It had been a strange week. Leah had woken up from her sleep that day to find out that all the kingdoms had been attacked, and that the fae had saved them. Of course, it didn’t mean the humans would start accepting them that easily, but it was a good start.
Even Frostlake had been attacked, but the fae had been fast enough to prevent the strange creatures from doing much damage. They couldn’t help with the damage from the dome and the creatures, but the city was withstanding winter and rebuilding, despite their losses.
Many people had died in many kingdoms, including most of the Ironhold family. Leah wasn’t sure how she felt about Lady Celia dying. It felt too fast, too easy. Those were some nasty feelings. This was time to dissolve the stupid Ironhold Empire, annul her marriage, and try to find a peace alliance, not focus on a silly grudge.
The kingdoms had to meet again, but there would be no ceremonies or balls in this gathering. Everyone was too hurt or scared, so they were meeting in the portal hub in Frostlake. It meant that everyone would be free to make a quick retreat if necessary. Still, the Umbraars, River, and she were meeting with Venard to arrange some details. That was how she found herself in the same room with Fel, Naia, River, Azir, her mother, and Venard.
“I will apologize for what my kingdom did,” the new Ironhold King said. He turned to River. “I’ll tell everyone they’ve been faking evidence against the white fae. Please, don’t make me confess we’re behind Formosa.”
King Azir looked down and clenched his fists.
“I haven’t made you do anything,” River said. Apparently, Venard had acquired a debt with the fae.
“I know,” Venard said. “But I’m asking. They used explosives. I found some documents. I’m not sure why they did it. It was my grandfather, not me. I grew up thinking it was the fae. I know that confessing it was us would help clear your name, but it would also create fear. In fear, they could want to retaliate. Other kingdoms could want to retaliate or punish us too. Everyone’s dead but me, how can we be any more punished than that?”
River gestured to King Azir. “Ask the Umbraar King. Your family killedhisfamily.”
Azir grunted. Leah was coming to realize he did that a lot. He said, “An eye for an eye, everyone goes blind. I’ll never forgive your family. But I’m willing to give you a chance to repent and start over.”
Venard nodded. “Irinaia and Isofel are my sole heirs. Perhaps you should just kill me.”
Leah was getting annoyed by his insistence on dying. “No. Your word confessing your kingdom’s crimes is worth much more than anyone else’s.”
Venard pointed to River. “He could pretend to be me.”
River shook his head. “There must have been a reason you were spared.”
Venard only covered his face with his hands. “I’m trying. It’s much bigger than me, and here I am, alone in the world.”
“You have me and Naia,” Fel said. “We’re your family.” It didn’t change the fact that Fel still stared at him as if wanting to kill him. Perhaps part of him still did.
